BNP starts screening nomination hopefuls

The BNP has launched intensive meetings with hundreds of nomination hopefuls nationwide, aiming to finalise candidates for the next general election by the end of October, party leaders said.

The high command is assessing popularity, organisational strength, and winning prospects in the selection.

Since the BNP is a large party, it is normal to have multiple candidates. Those who do not receive the nomination will be offered positions such as district council or upazila chairman to prevent division.

Syed Emran Saleh Prince BNP Joint Secretary General

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir began joint meetings with aspirants last week. The secretary of the respective division is accompanying him.

All hopefuls from each constituency were called together to send them a signal of unity. One-on-one interviews will follow later, insiders said.

Invitations were sent only to those with "strong local acceptance based on surveys and field reports", said BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince.

About 1,500 aspirants are in the race, according to senior leaders.

Standing committee members have met aspirants from Barishal, Cumilla, and Rajshahi, while Fakhrul has held discussions with those from Khulna Division.

Md Moniruzzaman, joint convener of Satkhira BNP and a hopeful for Satkhira-4, said Fakhrul met aspirants from all four constituencies starting October 7.

"It seems that after about two weeks, the seats with single candidates will receive signals," he said.

Moniruzzaman and Syed Iftekhar Ali, convener of Satkhira BNP, said Fakhrul told them that whoever gets the nomination, others must work for him.

"Those who do not get it will be recognised in other ways," Moniruzzaman said.

In Kushtia, district Member Secretary Zakir Hossain said he met Fakhrul last Monday as acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his team are checking different matters about the candidates.

From Bagerhat-3, nomination hopeful Kazi Khairuzzaman said, "They told me to work in my area, and I have been doing so accordingly."

Tarique earlier clarified the party's selection philosophy, saying on October 6, "We want to give the party's nomination to someone from each area who understands local problems and has a connection with the people."

BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo said the party is close to finalising half of its candidates. "In about 150 of the 300 seats, the party has no difficulty selecting a single candidate. But choosing nominees for the rest is more complicated.

"In some constituencies where there is more than one strong candidate, senior leaders are talking with them."

"Tarique Rahman is privately speaking with local leaders to ensure better coordination in the field. We hope to finish all meetings with aspirants within this month," he added.

To prevent internal rivalry, the BNP leadership assured alternative positions to those not selected.

"Since the BNP is a large party, it is normal to have multiple candidates. Those who do not receive the nomination will be offered positions such as district council or upazila chairman to prevent division," said Joint Secretary General Emran.

Local leaders echoed the reassurance. "Even if we don't get nominated as MP candidates, we will be given priority in local government elections and party posts," said one aspirant.

Another aspirant from Kushtia said, "The party told us that if we don't get the nomination, we will be helped in future local polls. They want us to stay active in our areas."

A leader from Bagerhat said, "The BNP high command made it clear that nobody will be left behind."

Meanwhile, some aspirants expressed frustration over a delay in nominating candidates. While Jamaat-e-Islami nominees have begun door-to-door campaigning, BNP hopefuls are awaiting signals.

"Jamaat candidates are already meeting people quietly. But we still don't know who will get the ticket," said a hopeful from Rajbari.

Another from Bogura said, "We are waiting every day for instructions. People keep asking questions, but we have no answer."

A senior BNP leader from Mymensingh added, "The rival party is already far ahead in preparations, while our nomination process is still ongoing."